Château Changyu Moser XV: Bright Light comes from the East

Château Changyu Moser XV: Bright Light comes from the East.

Anyone who follows the world of fine wine, will acknowledge the role of China therein. Primarily in terms of wine consuming, but increasingly in terms of wine production. If we had to mention one estate that embodies this movement, we would mention a Chinese winery with an European wink. Initiates know we are referring to Château Changyu Moser XV. 

In this article we will review three wines of Château Changyu Moser XV. All Cabernet Sauvignon based, but not all as red as the Chinese flag. Do we have your attention?

A Diplomatic Collaboration

Those who think China has no relevant history in wine, could not be more wrong. Changyu’s history goes back to 1892. The now oldest winery of China was founded by Zhang Bishi, a Chinese diplomat. Over the years, Changyu grows into a conglomeration with interests in Chinese wineries. Together with Austrian winemaker Lenz Moser, Changyu in 2015 starts a project of unprecedented proportions: Château Changyu Moser XV.

A Cross-cultural Statement at Great Hights

Château Changyu Moser XV is not just a château. It is a statement. Château Changyu Moser XV states cross-cultural collaboration. Château Changyu Moser XV builds bridges by striving excellence.

This basic principle of Château Changyu Moser XV is expressed in in its architecture. The imposing landmark mirrors classic European design and dedication to the Chinese history. It is located in the Chinese Nigxia region, at the foot of the Helan Mountains. Although the climate is desert like hot, altitudes of 1.100 meters offer sufficient cooling effects and diurnal swing. Cabernet Sauvignon rules in here, on sandy loamy soils. 

Innovation striving perfection

The château houses an ultra-modern state-of-the-art winery. Moser strives an European approach to winemaking. Or to quote himself: ‘Hands-on winemaking in harmony with Mother Nature – the less intervention the better.’ No excessive oak aging and no over-extraction are found. 

The Wines 

2023 Moser Family Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir – Changyu Moser XV

The bouquet of the bright pale white wine with pink reflections – revealing delicate skin contact – is quite broad and wealthy. We mention ripe white and yellow peach, nectarine and passion fruit. At the other side there is some fresh tree and citrus fruits to be noticed. Subtle hints of green herbs, blossom, wet stone and red berries behind the scenes. 

Just as broad as the bouquet, the palate opens with mouth filling ripe and juicy fruits. To name a few: peach, pear and a touch of red fruits. Medium to full bodied and structured. Savoury and slightly peppery, warming alcohol. Sufficient freshness.

This Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc de Noir by Changyu Moser XV is not your everyday wine. The Chinese Cabernet Sauvignon based Blanc de Noir truly is one of a kind. 

We award this wine with a 90-point DWA score.

2022 Moser Family Cabernet Sauvignon – Changyu Moser XV

Ripe, lush and velvet bouquet, offering aromas of ripe strawberry, plum and dark cherry, accompanied by dark flavours of wood, tobacco, coffee and dried herbs. 

Concentrated and full bodied on the palate. Rich and ripe, concentrated and inky. Wood dominated flavours like chocolate and vanilla. Ripe and meaty, rounded tannin structure. Peppery and bitter aftertaste. 

We award this wine with a 91-point DWA score.

2019 Purple Air Comes from the East – Changyu Moser XV

The flagship wine of Changyu Moser XV opens with a layered and balanced bouquet. The wine needs time to open. We notice prominent wood related flavours, accompanied by ripe blue and purple fruits like blackcurrant and cassis. Next to the fruit there is violets, roses, baking spices and cigar box. 

Purple Air Comes from the East 2019 is full bodied yet well balanced. Flavours of black currant, plum and dark chocolate dominate. Firm yet ripe tannins are well integrated and submerged into the wine. A long-lasting aftertaste leaves impressions of sweet spices, dark coffee and a mineral like sensation. 

We award this wine with a 93-point DWA score.

Conclusion 

The wines of Changyu Moser XV prove bright light comes from the east. Supported by the global vision of Lenz Moser, a diplomatic dream has grown into a powerful statement. Thanks to a cross-culture collaboration, the global wine world is enlightened and enriched. Build of both history and innovation, a new Chinese wave is on the way. And according to Moser, the party only just started. 

This article is written by our own Hermen Jansen (Origine Wijnen). The wines and background information are provided by Changyu Moser XV, for which we would like to thank Lenz Moser and Natia Wasieleski.